Incident Responses for April 2021

Posted Fri, 05/14/2021 - 17:27

Every month our Emergency Response Division provides scientific expertise and services to the U.S. Coast Guard on everything from running oil spill trajectories to model where the spill may spread, to possible effects on wildlife and fisheries and estimates on how long the oil may stay in the environment.

This month OR&R responded to 13 incidents in April, including oil discharges, grounded vessels, and other pollution-related incidents.  

Here are some of April's notable incidents:

Vessel Grounded on Chandeleur Island, Louisiana

On April 9, a vessel was reportedly grounded on the Chandeleur Islands in Louisiana. No discharge was reported. 

The M/V Round III lost propulsion while transiting around the east side of Chandeleur Island. The vessel drifted aground on the east side of the island. The vessel’s crew was safely recovered. 

NOAA’s scientific support coordinator for the region provided assistance and coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Responders salvaged the vessel on April 14. 

Fishing Vessel Catches Fire Near Warrenton, Oregon

A fire on a boat.
The Pacific Cloud caught on fire near the Skipanon River in Warrenton on Friday afternoon. Image credit: U.S. Coast Guard.

On April 16, a fire broke out on a vessel in the Skipanon River near Warrenton, Oregon. The F/V Pacific Cloud was tied off and the local fire department went on scene to contain the fire. The hull was reportedly mostly intact. 

The vessel was reportedly carrying 500 gallons of oil on board. A slight sheen was reported and a containment boom was placed around the vessel. The vessel was salvaged the following week.

Derelict Fishing Vessel Spills Oil in Columbia River, Oregon

On April 27, the U.S. Coast Guard notified NOAA that an 80-foot fishing vessel was releasing oil in the Columbia River near Lord Island, Oregon. The F/V Tiffany has been derelict south of Lord Island for several years, and had a potential spill volume of 10,000 gallons of fuel. 

Divers on scene assessed the stability of the vessel. Responders began lightering options to remove the product on board and soft boom was placed around the vessel to prevent further impact.

Responders removed approximately half of the oil products from the tanks—with about 5,100 gallons remaining. Crews reported finding more hazmat products on the vessel than previously anticipated. Work to identify and remove hazardous materials is ongoing. 

Here is the complete list of last month’s incidents, click on the links to find out more: